Matrimonio laico… ma con fantasia

People still get married—often in a church, following the time-honored rituals tradition has claimed for itself. Yet in today’s multicultural society, where lifestyles and circumstances have changed (second or even third marriages, couples who already have children, financial considerations, and so on), more and more partners are opting for a civil ceremony. While a religious service unfolds through familiar, richly symbolic moments that everyone recognizes, a secular ceremony is a blank page—an untouched canvas on which you can write your own story.

Earth, water, air, fire—let these be your guides on your “big day.” Choosing an elemental theme means embracing nature at its purest. The eco-chic trend is huge right now, so picture yourselves in a bucolic setting, dressed in bohemian attire with fresh flowers woven into your braids. Thoughtfully chosen music and meaningful readings complete the tableau.

This ancient rite—handfasting—originated in Ireland (rather than Scotland). It involves binding the couple’s hands together as a symbol of their lifelong union. All you need is a colored sash or a set of intertwined ribbons representing your two families and your new partnership. You can match the ribbon hues to your overall décor or echo the blooms of your bouquet.

Equally enchanting is the sand ritual: each partner pours colored sand from separate containers into a shared vessel, creating a new blend of shades. It’s a beautiful keepsake of your union—and an idea you can even turn into wedding favors for your guests, reminding them of the day you joined your lives together.

Have you ever considered weaving Celtic customs into your vows? One captivating moment occurs when guests form a circle to honor the four cardinal points and the elements of the universe. Then the couple takes two cords—traditionally white and red—symbolizing femininity and masculinity, and wraps them around each other’s arms. This binding takes the place of wedding rings. Accompanied by the gentle strains of a harp, the celebration flows into barefoot dancing beneath the open sky.

The candle ceremony is often a truly moving highlight. Two lit candles are brought together to ignite a single, more brilliant flame—an emblem of your joined lives. A celebrant may read an ancient blessing or a newly penned poem, leaving plenty of room for creativity.

Finally, two red roses and a vase at the altar are the stars of a timeless tradition: exchanging blooms right after your vows. The red rose, long celebrated as love’s emblem, becomes your first gift to each other. Once dried, the petals can be kept as a memento, and you might even repeat the ritual each anniversary, creating a unique tradition that is entirely your own.